Joseph Dean Driver
Joseph Dean Driver
Joseph Dean Driver
1923-2015
Joseph Dean Driver, a long-time Missouri National Guard administrator, CWO, age 91 years, died Thursday, February 19, 2015 at Heisinger Bluffs in Jefferson City.
Mr. Driver was born April 21, 1923, in Mound City, Missouri, the son of Casper M. and Ruby Crist Driver. He married on June 18, 1943 in Mound City, to Elizabeth Ann Crow, who preceded him in death on June 13, 2013.
A graduate of Mound City High School, he joined the Missouri National Guard’s 128th Field Artillery Regimental Band in Maryville, Missouri on November 20, 1940. He was mobilized to active duty at Fort Jackson, S.C. on November 25, 1940. He served with the band at various posts throughout the United States as an assistant drum major and trumpet player until his discharge November 1, 1945. He also was director and lead vocalist of the regimental dance band.
When the 1st Battalion, 129th Field Artillery headquarters was re-formed at Maryville in October, 1947, Mr. Driver became a full-time administrative officer. He rose to the rank of Command Sergeant Major, and later he was appointed as a Warrant Officer. He volunteered for active duty in August, 1951, and served in Korea with the 5th Regimental Combat Team before being reassigned to Okinawa and Fort Leonard Wood. He returned to the 129th Field Artillery Battalion in October, 1954.
Mr. Driver moved to Jefferson City in 1963 to work for the 35th Command Headquarters. He later served in the United States Property and Fiscal Office and the Adjutant General’s Office. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer in the Guard and from civilian employment as the Chief of the Administrative Services Branch in the Adjutant General’s Office in April, 1983. His decorations include the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and the U.S. Army and Missouri National Guard Meritorious Service Medals.
Mr. Driver was a charter member of Community Christian Church, Jefferson City, where he served as choir director, elder and a member of the church board. He later became an elder emeritus of the Jefferson City First Christian Church. He attended Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Missouri.
He is survived by: three children, Tanya Lou Pitzer (husband Jack) of Alexandria, Va.; DeAnn Ege (husband Robert) of Harrisburg, Missouri; and Robert Dean Driver (wife Jamie) of St. Louis, Missouri; five grandchildren and one step-grandchild; two great-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elizabeth; and two sisters, Ruth Duncan and Fern Smith.
Visitation will be held at Community Christian Church from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2015.
A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2015 at Community Christian Church in Jefferson City, Missouri with the Reverend Donald Carter officiating. Graveside services and inurnment with military honors will be held at the Columbarium of Community Christian Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Community Christian Church or First Christian Church to be used for worship and music programs.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary in Jefferson City, Mo.
www.freemanmortuary.com
